Planning for recreational opportunities is an important task that all institutions must undertake. This nine-step process will help you prepare a comprehensive recreational facilities plan that will meet the needs of a college or university.

The design and construction process for buildings of any type is complicated, to say the least, and filled with opportunity for missteps. The recreation center, though, is more complex than might be expected. Hopefully the project team will have had prior experience with similar building types and be able to avoid problems by understanding the special features of recreation centers and anticipating the issues.

Campus Recreational Sports Facilities covers the entire process of building a facility, from initial planning through design, construction, and move-in. Recreational sport directors, architects, and other experts provide construction options and share industry standards, guidelines, procedures, and more to help you navigate this complex process.

The focus on campus recreational facilities continues as university administrators and campus recreation professionals increasingly recognize participation in recreational sport programs and activities as a key determinant of student recruitment, retention, and satisfaction. The significance of campus recreational facilities in an institution’s success has led many institutions to evaluate possibilities for new or renovated recreational spaces. For assistance in these construction and renovation projects, campus recreational professionals and others can look to the advice, guidance, and best practices in Campus Recreational Sport Facilities: Planning, Design, and Construction Guidelines.

This practical guide covers the entire process of building a facility, from the initial planning through design, construction, and move-in. With this text, recreational sport directors, architects, and construction and equipment consultants have access to the latest industry standards, guidelines, and information to navigate the complex process of planning, designing, building, and opening a recreational or sport-specific facility.

Developed by the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) in conjuction with NIRSA member architects and campus recreational sport directors, this valuable resource presents current construction options and assists you in determining which option best meets your institution’s needs. This comprehensive reference contains the following features:

Explanations of the concepts and outlines of the procedures for planning, designing, constructing, and renovating indoor and outdoor recreational facilities

A dedicated Web site with links to current field and court specifications from numerous national governing bodies, allowing easy access to dimensions and information for efficient planning and design of both indoor and outdoor sport spaces

A glossary of terms used by architects, recreational sport directors, and contractors to encourage clear and consistent communication throughout all stages of the project

Campus Recreational Sport Facilities: Planning, Design, and Construction Guidelines is packed with expert advice from architects, construction managers, and campus recreation directors. Numerous photos of recreational facilities will spark your imagination with possibilities and provide visual examples of guidelines for facilities. This book covers the following topics:

The planning process from the perspective of the campus master planner and the recreational sport director

The feasibility study process, how to determine whether to build new or renovate existing facilities, and how to raise capital to fund design and construction costs

The design and general planning standards for indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, aquatic centers, and climbing walls

The integration of furniture, fixtures, and equipment in the architectural design and construction processes

An overview of the architectural design and construction processes

Moving in and opening your new or newly renovated facility

Transforming the institutional vision of a recreational sport facility into a reality is a complicated process. The rising costs of construction and fulfilling institutional and financial goals also make it a high-stakes endeavor. From start to finish, rely on Campus Recreational Sport Facilities: Planning, Design, and Construction Guidelines and build your peace of mind as you build or renovate your recreational facility.

Chapter 3 To Renovate or Build From Scratch: What’s the Tipping Point?Donald Vitters, AIA
Nancy B. Freedman, AIA, LEED AP
David J. Dymicki, AIA
Brad McCord, AIA
Why Would You Choose to Renovate?
When Would You Choose to Renovate?
How Would You Choose to Renovate?
Summary

Chapter 4 Selling the Dream on Campus and Off: Winning Support, Building Consensus, and Raising Capital to Fund Recreational Facilities Christopher Chivetta, PE, LEED AP
Case Statement for the Building
Advocates and Opponents of Student Recreation Center Projects
Understanding the Total Costs of a Student Recreation Center
Funding: Available Sources
Summary

Chapter 5 Selecting an Architect and Understanding Team RolesAnita Picozzi Moran, AIA and F&S Partners, Incorporated
Hiring an Architect
Formal Selection Process
Key Staff of an Architectural Firm
Consultants: Part of the Architectural Team
Steps in the Architectural Process
Summary
Reference

Chapter 11 The Construction Process—Now Build It! Going From Paper to Reality and Everything in BetweenJohn A. Selby, AIA
Geff Bottomley
Who’s in Charge? The Roles and Responsibilities of Project Team Members
Long Before the Groundbreaking: Early Involvement of the Construction Manager
Okay, Let’s Build It
Recreation Centers Are Unique: Some Issues to Plan For
Changes
Safety
Drawdown: Who Pays What and When
Almost Done: Commissioning—Checking It Out
Construction Completion
Project Closeout
Summary
References

The National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) is the leading resource for professional and student development, education, and research in collegiate recreational sports. Established in 1950, NIRSA has nearly 4,000 highly trained professional, student, and associate members throughout the U.S., Canada, and other countries. NIRSA's mission is to provide for the education and development of its memebers and to foster quality recreational programs, facilities, and services for diverse populations. The association's commitment to excellence is shown in its use of resources that promote ethical and healthy lifestyle choices.

“This book is the most comprehensive and detailed analysis of the planning and building process regarding recreational facilities that I have ever read.”David Hall, director of campus recreationSpringfield College